Seplat Energy has ushered in a new phase of leadership with the appointment of Effiong Okon as its Chief Executive Officer, entrusting the company’s future to a seasoned energy professional with more than three decades of experience in the global oil and gas industry.
Okon is no stranger to Seplat. Since joining the company in 2018 as Executive Director of Operations, he has played a key role in driving operational efficiency, improving asset performance, and implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening the company’s overall productivity and competitiveness.
His influence within the organisation grew further in July 2022 when he was appointed Director of New Energy. In that capacity, he led efforts to expand Seplat’s midstream gas operations and spearheaded the development of power projects powered by natural gas and renewable energy. These initiatives formed a critical part of the company’s strategy to promote cleaner energy solutions and reduce reliance on diesel and petrol-powered electricity generation.
With over 32 years of industry experience, Okon has built a distinguished career spanning Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and Nigeria. His professional journey began in 1992 when he joined Shell as a Petroleum Reservoir Engineer, laying the foundation for a career that would see him rise through the ranks of one of the world’s leading energy companies.
Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise across the exploration and production value chain, covering areas such as petroleum engineering, exploration, project development, production operations, field management, safety, strategy, operational excellence, and cost optimisation. His experience also includes managing complex onshore and offshore assets and leading multidisciplinary teams across diverse cultural and geographical environments.
During his time at Shell, Okon held several senior leadership positions, including Chief Reservoir Engineer, Deputy Vice President Technical, General Manager of Offshore Assets, General Manager of Deepwater Production, and Vice President for Cost Leadership and Continuous Improvement. These roles helped shape his reputation as a leader with a strong blend of technical knowledge, operational expertise, and strategic insight.
Industry observers believe his appointment comes at a crucial time for Seplat as the company continues to expand its role in Nigeria’s energy sector while pursuing opportunities in gas development and cleaner energy solutions. His experience in both traditional oil and gas operations and emerging energy technologies is expected to support the company’s long-term growth ambitions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Okon has invested heavily in leadership development and executive education. He is a graduate of the University of Benin and has attended executive programmes at IMD Business School in Switzerland and Harvard Business School in the United States.
He is also a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, reflecting his standing within the engineering and energy communities.
As he assumes the top position at Seplat Energy, expectations remain high that his wealth of experience and leadership expertise will help guide the company through the evolving energy landscape while strengthening its position as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy firms.
